HGR Industrial Surplus opened for business in 1998, leasing 150,000 square feet of space in the former General Motors Fisher Auto Body Plant at 20001 Euclid Avenue in Euclid, Ohio. With HGR’s unique approach to buying and selling used manufacturing machinery, industrial equipment and surplus items, growth has been consistent, and HGR had added employees and showroom space since its opening.

Legend has it that Company Founder Paul Betori, upon leaving his previous employment, found himself with a vision for a new business model that would later become HGR Industrial Surplus. As he sat in his living room and gathered his thoughts that would supplement that vision, Van Halen’s “Unchained” played in the background. The chorus struck a chord with Paul: “Change, nothing stays the same, Unchained, yeah, you hit the ground running.” HGR certainly “Hit the Ground Running” in 1998, and we have enjoyed personal and professional growth and success ever since.

The building at 20001 Euclid Avenue was originally built in 1943 to produce aircraft parts during World War II. After the war, it was purchased by Fisher Body and made bodies for General Motors cars. In the 1970s, the plant was converted to produce interior trim and upholstery for GM cars. In the 1980s, the facility also began making parts for Sea Ray boats.